Temecula resident Rebecca Farnbach has always loved to write, but it wasn’t until she chanced upon some very old family memorabilia in 1992 that she delved into the art of story-telling.

“I realized that I had the vision and the writing skills to tell the family’s story, so that (discovery) was really a defining moment for me,” said Farnbach, who has gone on to chronicle some of Southwest Riverside’s most familiar cities in Arcadia Publishing’s Images of America series.

Farnbach’s historical books can be found in ample display at local bookstores and include co-authored, pictorial accounts of Temecula, Murrieta, Fallbrook and Murrieta Hot Springs. She recently teamed up with authors Vincenzo and Audrey Cilurzo for the newest addition to the series-”Temecula Wine Country.”

“Within six days (of its release), the entire first printing was sold out. I actually had to cancel a book signing until more could be ordered,” Farnbach said.

Uncovering the history of Temecula and its neighbors is something of a family affair for Farnbach. Her husband Darell is an avid local historian and both are among the original founders of the Vail Ranch Restoration Association, an organization devoted to the restoration of historical structures in the area.

Remarkably, Farnbach works to nurture the ‘future’ of another local treasure-writers. She hosts writing critiques and support groups to help grow the talents and publishing opportunities for anyone with the desire to write.

“Our group has (collectively) had 30 books published in the last 10 years,” Farnbach said.

Despite her home-grown efforts, Farnbach’s own writing has been acknowledged on a grand stage. In 2006, she was named Writer of the Year by the San Diego Christian Writers Guild for “consistently publishing excellent material and support of other writers” and honorable mention for a poem she wrote after an intimate, powerful meeting with a Native American woman in prayer at Pechanga Indian Reservation.

“I feel like I’m among giants and I feel honored,” Farnbach said.

Those interested in purchasing “Temecula Wine Country” or any of the other local books, visit www.arcadiapublishing.com. The books can also be found online at Amazon.com, Costco or at Barnes and Noble in Temecula.

Farnbach will be selling and signing books from 1 to 3 p.m. on Dec. 5 at the Costco in Temecula.